A RAIL firm has put up security fencing around renovation work to a York bridge after yobs used it as a platform to terrorise a quiet residential street.

Residents of Moor Lane, Dringhouses, York, say hundreds of pounds worth of damage has been caused after yobs climbed up scaffolding on the bridge above and hurled bricks and rubble at their homes.

As previously reported, Vivienne and Paul Riley, who live on one of the eight residential properties below the Moor Lane Bridge, which is undergoing costly renovation, said they felt like “sitting ducks” for the yobs who consistently targeted their homes, and called for action to be taken.

Network Rail has now put up tall fencing and plywood in hope that it will deter the youths.

Speaking on behalf of the rail company, Rachel Lowe, said: “As soon as we were informed of this incident, Network Rail and our contractor, Edmund Nuttal, arranged to revisit the site to see what, if anything, could be done to deter vandals.

“As a result, fencing has been placed around the bottom of the scaffold and at the edge of the footpath to prevent unauthorised access. A hoarding has also been placed around the pedestrian walkway to prevent objects being thrown from there. This hoarding has been made higher than standard because of the issues we have had locally.

“While there is no guarantee that it will stop all antisocial behaviour, we hope it will act as a deterrent.”

As previously reported, Moor Lane Bridge is set to be reconstructed by Network Rail in a £1.8 million project, meaning Moor Lane will be closed between its junctions with Chaloners Road and Tadcaster Road for about two months.

Ms Lowe said Network Rail would continue to ensure disturbance was kept to a minimum while the work was carried out.

“Although some interruption is inevitable, we will continue to do all we can to minimise the effect upon local residents.”

Vivienne Riley said she was glad the rail firm had taken action – but said she would have to wait and see that if the methods would deter the vandals.